Data Recovery FAQ

Data recovery is the process of retrieving inaccessible, lost, corrupted, damaged, or formatted data from a storage device such as a hard drive, SSD, phone, or server when it cannot be accessed the usual way. Recovery may be needed because of physical damage to the device or logical damage to the file system.

We distinguish between two main types. Physical failures mean the hardware itself is damaged: clicking heads, seized motors, failed electronics, water damage, or worn flash memory. Logical failures mean the hardware works but the data is unreachable: accidental formatting, deleted files, corrupted file systems, or ransomware encryption. Many real cases combine both, which is why a proper diagnostic comes first.

There is no absolute guarantee, although our recovery rates are very high. In rare cases recovery is not possible, most often due to severe platter damage or prior self-recovery attempts. This is also why we work no data, no fee: if we cannot recover your data, you do not pay for the recovery.

Yes, completely free with no strings attached. In most cases our team completes the evaluation within 48 hours and contacts you with a clear quote. Nothing goes ahead until you approve it.

Serious recoveries require certified specialists, cleanroom conditions, donor parts, and professional equipment that costs as much as a car. That said, we keep our prices as low as possible, you approve the quote before any work starts, and you only pay if we recover your data.

Usually not. Think of your data as sitting inside a locked vault: the effort is in getting into the vault, not in how many items you take out once the door is open. The recovery work is the same whether you need one folder or the entire drive.

We accept credit cards and e-transfer.

A typical recovery takes about 10 to 12 business days. Severe cases can take longer, for example when donor parts need to be ordered or the damage is unusually complex. You get a realistic time estimate with your quote.

You can bring or ship us a drive of your own, or buy one from us at cost since we keep an inventory of all major brands and sizes. For recoveries under 50 GB we can also send a secure download link by email.

We keep a backup of your recovered data for up to 1 month from the date we deliver it to you, as a safety net while you confirm everything is there. After 1 month the backup is irreversibly destroyed.

Yes. The equipment used for recovery is never connected to the internet, devices are stored in a secured room with a monitored alarm system, and every member of our team is bound by an NDA. Your data is handled in our own BC lab and is never sent offshore.

Years of hands-on experience across thousands of cases, our own local lab in British Columbia with professional recovery equipment, and a no data, no fee policy backed by a free evaluation and a clear quote before any work begins. Check our Google reviews and decide for yourself.

Pack the drive so it cannot move or take a shock in transit. Wrap it in bubble wrap or similar soft material and place it in a small box that keeps it from shifting inside. Do not ship a bare drive in an envelope.

You can ship your device to our lab from anywhere in Canada. We provide a free prepaid Canada Post waybill, or you can book a paid courier pickup. Both options are available through our booking page, and your device gets the same free diagnostic on arrival.